During the past five years, use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) has been linked to the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a rare and potentially fatal disorder that mainly impacts patients with severe kidney disease.

Now, according to a paper published in the July issue of Radiology, restrictive GBCA administration guidelines adopted by Massachusetts General Hospital in 2008 have proven to be effective in stopping NSF.

Prior to adoption of the guidelines and during the transition period, 113,120 contrast-enhanced MRI exams were performed, and 34 cases of NSF were subsequently identified. During the post-guideline period, 52,954 contrast-enhanced MRIs were performed with no new cases of NSF identified, according to lead author Hani H. Abujudeh, MD, MBA, and colleagues.